Our comprehensive Addictions Certificate Program at Bemidji State University is designed to fulfill the educational requirements for becoming a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) in the state of Minnesota. Our curriculum offers an in-depth exploration of all elements of the substance abuse treatment process. Students will gain hands-on experience through experiential activities aimed at preparing students to manage a case load of clients upon completion. Offering flexibility through on-campus and synchronous online formats, our program is designed at accommodating working students.
“The addictions program has prepared me not only by giving me the physical resources I need, but a support system. The professors provided the encouragement to try something new and the education to do it. The psychology and social work departments partner well and give students a strong overview of what working in this field truly looks like.”
-Amanda Willis Martin, LADC
Licensure Requirements
There are two options for licensure for students completing the Addictions Certificate including temporary licensure accompanied with supervision by an LADC within five years or full LADC licensure.
Temporary Licensure (ADC-T)
Licensure Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC)
Associate’s degree or equivalent (60 credits)
Bachelor’s degree
18 credits of alcohol and drug counseling course work
18 credits of alcohol and drug counseling course work
880-hour alcohol and drug counseling internship
880-hour alcohol and dug counseling internship
Supervision by an LADC or other licensed professional practicing alcohol and drug counseling
Passing score on a licensing exam
Pathways for Completion
Students may choose the path that best suits their career goals from working in the Addictions field while pursuing all of the educational requirements for LADC licensure to completing all of the educational requirements for licensure at one time! BSU welcomes all professionals to enhance their expertise with the addition of the Addictions Certificate!
ADC to Undergraduate Degree
Undergraduate Degree and ADC
Returning Professionals
Complete the 51 credit ADC and earn/transfer 9 additional credits to meet the 60-credit requirement
Complete an undergraduate degree and ADC concurrently.
BSU invites any professional working in the helping professions to complete the ADC (i.e. licensed professionals, case workers, health services technicians, etc.)
Students may apply for temporary licensure and work in the field with a licensed LADC while pursuing an undergraduate degree within five years.
Students must also complete the license exam to complete full licensure requirements.
Students will have meet all of the educational requirements for LADC licensure.
Social Work students will participate in a dual internship allowing students to meet the educational requirements for the social work and alcohol and drug counselor licensure.
If licensed as a social worker or within the counseling field, many returning professionals will only need to complete 3 or 4 academic courses prior to beginning the required internship.
Incoming Students: Visit our Admissions page and fill out an application. Those who already have a degree or are transferring in credit, visit our Transfer Admissions.
Social Work students completing the Addictions Certificate concurrently will complete a dual internships, earning all required internship hours for social work and LADC licensure. Form more information, visit the Social Work Program Internships page.
Prospective Student Inquiry
Please send me more information about the following Social Work degree options at Bemidji State University:
